Cancer Epidemiology Program

The overall goal of the Cancer Epidemiology Program is to save lives by increasing our understanding of what causes cancer, promoting cancer prevention behaviors and early detection and treatment, and developing improved diagnostic tests and treatments. When cancer cannot be prevented, we are also interested in research that will extend the quantity and quality of life for the cancer survivor. A major strength of the Cancer Epidemiology Program is its extension beyond the walls of the medical center, as its primary research population is residents across the state of Iowa. This is based on the role played by the University of Iowa in public health across Iowa, including cancer epidemiology. Members of the Cancer Epidemiology Program are responsible for the State Health Registry of Iowa (SHRI), Iowa’s statewide cancer surveillance program that is part of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). This resource allows researchers in the Cancer Epidemiology Program to perform outstanding population-based cancer research. Information gained from these studies can then be applied to other states and other populations.